Summer/Autumn 2012 (Vol. 40, Nos. 3 & 4)

Dialogue:Signs from Field, Forest, and Stream by Brett Grainger There is a contradiction between what evangelical Christians say about nature in public and their private spiritual practices.Diversity Troubles by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza Privileged members of academia need to go further to challenge the structures that support prejudice and domination.In Praise of Inadequate Gifts by Tarn Wilson Condolence cards and quiet gestures of support provide an unlikely counterweight to violence and mortality.Life for a Life? by Dudley C. RoseRighteous anger in the cause of justice is a natural response, but it proves to be ineffective and even dangerous.

Featured:Choosing Words over Bullets by R. Gustav NiebuhrThe grassroots efforts of citizens to build interfaith communities is a social good that helps to hold our nation together.The Soul Has No Gender by Cheryl A. Giles Too many LGBT youth find themselves without the support of their friends, families, schools, and faith communities, which leads to an increased risk of mental and physical health problems.The Pen Is Mightier by Sarah Sentilles Sexism is still rampant in reviews and responses to women’s writing (especially discussions of religion), but we can counter this bias.Echoes of a Legendary Queen by Wafaa Abdulaali Contemporary women writers in Arabic and English have drawn on the Queen of Sheba to comment on national identity, gender, and race. Why Study Religion in the Twenty-first Century? by William A. GrahamThere is a constantly growing need for religious studies to contribute to the public world of contemporary life and practice.